With over 35 million specimens housed in more than 132,354 drawers, 33,000 jars or vials, and 23,000 slides in more than 5,200 cabinets, the National Insect Collection is one of the largest
entomological collections in the world.
Specimens and their associated data are used as the basis for original scientific research on the nature, inter-relationships, origin, and evolution of insects and their
allies. The large holdings of medically and agriculturally important species make parts
of the collection especially significant as sources of systematic research and
identification of insect pests.
The Department of Entomology at the National Museum includes research
scientists and museum specialists from the Smithsonian
Institution as well as the U.S.D.A.
Systematic Entomology Lab and
the Walter Reed Biosystematics
Unit of the Department of
Defense (links at left).
entomological collections in the world.
Specimens and their associated data are used as the basis for original scientific research on the nature, inter-relationships, origin, and evolution of insects and their
allies. The large holdings of medically and agriculturally important species make parts
of the collection especially significant as sources of systematic research and
identification of insect pests.
The Department of Entomology at the National Museum includes research
scientists and museum specialists from the Smithsonian
Institution as well as the U.S.D.A.
Systematic Entomology Lab and
the Walter Reed Biosystematics
Unit of the Department of
Defense (links at left).